Trump answers why FBI took on Nancy Guthrie probe late: Local authorities 'didn’t want to let go'

TUCSON, ARIZONA: President Donald Trump weighed in Friday, February 13, on the ongoing investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, responding to questions about why the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has not formally assumed full control of the case.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House as he departed, Trump was asked by why the bureau was not leading the investigation outright.

Trump cites local authorities-FBI friction in Nancy Guthrie case

Trump indicated that while the case began at the local level, federal authorities have been involved.

“It was a local case originally, and they didn’t want to let go of it, which is fine,” Trump said, hinting that there were jurisdictional conflicts owing to the high-profile nature of the case.. 

“It’s really up to the communities.”

He added that once the FBI became involved, investigative momentum improved. “When the FBI got involved, I think progress has been made,” he said.

When asked whether foreign actors or cartels could be connected to Guthrie’s disappearance, Trump declined to speculate.

“You can’t say that yet. It’s a little bit early,” he said, while noting that whoever is responsible either acted with significant sophistication or extreme incompetence. “Either way, it’s not a good situation.”

Sheriff disputes claims of tension with FBI

Meanwhile, Chris Nanos, the sheriff of Pima County, rejected suggestions of friction between his office and federal investigators.

Nanos stated that his department contacted the FBI shortly after Guthrie vanished and emphasized that cooperation between agencies has been smooth. He also denied reports that his office withheld evidence, calling such allegations unfounded.

Addressing reports, Nanos clarified that no glove was recovered at Guthrie’s Tucson property during search efforts. 

He confirmed that certain materials, including DNA samples from the family and other swabs collected in the case, were sent to a private forensic laboratory in Florida from the outset.

While his office has worked with the FBI’s crime lab in the past, he explained that investigators opted to continue with the lab initially selected for this case.

The sheriff said authorities are treating the matter as a kidnapping but stressed that all possibilities remain under consideration. He also noted that no individual has been definitively ruled out as the investigation continues.